Memorial Hermann-TMC Achieves 'Gold Medal' of Nursing

Elite designation given for excellence in patient care, nursing practices

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Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Oct 21, 2014, 03:30 ET

HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) today announced that it has achieved one of the highest levels of recognition a hospital can receive – Magnet® recognition for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®.

Magnet recognition is the highest possible organizational credential granted by the ANCC, the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States, and less than seven percent of hospitals in the country have achieved Magnet status since the program's inception in 1994. In order to earn Magnet status, hospitals must excel in several areas, including nursing standards and practices, patient care, and innovations in nursing leadership and management. This is Memorial Hermann-TMC's first Magnet recognition.

"This is a major milestone for our Campus and we are delighted and so proud to add Magnet recognition to our growing list of achievements," said Victoria King, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann-TMC. "This status is the top honor in nursing. It not only recognizes the excellent work our nursing staff does every day, it also rewards their unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality care possible for our patients."

Before a hospital is selected for Magnet recognition, ANCC completes a rigorous, extensive evaluation process that includes onsite visits, reviews of written documentation, staff and patient satisfaction surveys and interviews. Initial Magnet recognition is valid for four years and, during that time, hospitals and nursing staff are closely monitored, evaluated, and surveyed to ensure they remain in compliance with the program's high standards. At the end of the four-year period, hospitals must re-apply and again undergo the challenging evaluation process.

Studies have demonstrated that Magnet-recognized hospitals typically provide a higher quality of patient care, including lower mortality rates and better patient satisfaction. Magnet hospitals also experience lower turnover and lower rates of burnout among nursing staff. The recognition is also directly linked to a hospital's ability to attract and retain qualified, highly educated nursing staff.

Craig Cordola, CEO of Memorial Hermann-TMC, says the recognition is also linked to increased consumer confidence. "Magnet status is synonymous with innovative, high-quality health care," he said. "When patients see that your campus is Magnet-recognized, they know they are going to be in good hands. But Magnet is also more than just a nursing credential; it is an honor given to the entire team, working collaboratively with our nursing staff, in order to reach this impressive level of achievement."

Of the 5,000+ hospitals in the U.S., only 391 are Magnet facilities. Memorial Hermann-TMC now shares its Magnet status with two other hospitals in the Memorial Hermann Health System: Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital.

About Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center (TMC)
Founded in 1925, Memorial Hermann was the first hospital to open in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston. For more than a century, the hospital has set new standards of care in Texas and across the nation. Built on a long-term affiliation with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Memorial Hermann–TMC and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital bring together a world-class team of clinicians, researchers and educators under one roof. The 865-bed Campus provides exceptional care in the areas of trauma, heart, neuroscience, orthopedics, women's health, general surgery, organ transplantation, oncology and more. As a certified Level I trauma center at Memorial Hermann-TMC and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Memorial Hermann is home to the Texas Trauma Institute and provides 24-hour emergency and trauma care. In 1976, the hospital established Memorial Hermann Life Flight® – the first air ambulance service in Texas – which currently performs more than 3,000 annual missions with a fleet of six state-of-the-art helicopters. Memorial Hermann – TMC encompasses three renowned institutes including the Mischer Neuroscience Institute, the Heart & Vascular Institute and the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute – all offering the latest innovations, technology and treatment. Learn more about Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

The Magnet Recognition Program®, ANCC Magnet Recognition®, Magnet®, ANCC National Magnet Conference®, and Journey to Magnet Excellence® names and logos are registered trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center